Capitals

The Washington Capitals came into the NHL as one of two expansion teams in 1974. While struggling for its first eight seasons, the “Caps” became one of the most prolific NHL franchises since. Players like Alexander Ovechkin, the Washington Capitals’ team stats leader, helped make the franchise a prominent one.

Washington has consistently been a Stanley Cup contender with Ovechkin patrolling the ice. The power forward is seemingly ageless. But once Ovechkin retires and the Capitals enter a rebuild, you will find this team as a longshot on the NHL’s odds.

General Information

Conference: Eastern
Division: Metropolitan
City: Washington, D.C.
Stadium: Capital One Arena

Championships

Awards and Trophies

• Stanley Cup
• 2x Conference Championships
• 13x Division Championships
• 3x Presidents’ Trophy
• 3x Hart Memorial Trophy
• 3x Ted Lindsay Award
• Conn Smythe Trophy
• 9x Maurice “Rocket” Richard Trophy
• 3x Vezina Trophy
• 2x James Norris Memorial Trophy
• Frank J. Selke Trophy
• Calder Memorial Trophy

Washington Capitals Stats & Analysis

Check out all the information related to team stats.

All-Time Washington Capitals Records

Most goals in a season

• Alexander Ovechkin – Goals: 65 (2007-08).

Most assists in a season

• Dennis Maruk – Assists: 76 (1981-82).

Most points in a season

• Dennis Maruk – Points: 136 (1981-82).

Most wins in a season

• Braden Holtby – Wins: 48 (2015-16).

Most games all-time

• Alexander Ovechkin – Games: 1,274.

Most goals all-time

• Alexander Ovechkin – Goals: 780.

Most assists all-time

• Nicklas Backstrom – Assists: 747.

Most points all-time

• Alexander Ovechkin – Points: 1,410.

Most wins all-time

• Olaf Kolzig – Wins: 301.

Washington Capitals Stats & History

The Capitals, like many expansion teams, played poorly in its first few seasons. Washington did not qualify for the postseason until David Poile came on board. Under Poile, the Capitals finally made the playoffs during the 1982-83 season. Poile also brought in many popular stars like Mike Gartner, Rod Langway, and Scott Stevens.

From the 1980s to the 1990s, the Capitals were a perennial playoff contender but not much else. The team constantly lost against the powerhouses of their conference, such as like Pittsburgh, Boston, and the Islanders.

In 1998, with stars like Olaf Kolzig and Adam Oates, the Capitals made their first Stanley Cup Final appearance. It would be short-lived, as the team got swept by the Detroit Red Wings. Oates demanded a trade, and the Capitals had to rebuild.

Washington acquired Jaromir Jagr and Robert Lang from their Pittsburgh rivals. But Jagr underperformed and both were dealt, along with many of the team’s stars. This became a turning point for the franchise. Washington won the NHL Draft Lottery and selected Russian superstar Alexander Ovechkin in the 2004 NHL Entry Draft.

The young Ovechkin quickly established himself as an offensive force. Not only did he quickly lead the Capitals’ team stats, but also won the Calder Memorial Trophy over his Penguins counterpart, Sidney Crosby.

Under the Ovechkin era, Washington became a perennial Stanley Cup contender. Nicklas Backstrom was added a few seasons later and the two would form one of the best one-twos in the NHL.

But despite Washington dominating the regular season, the team consistently disappointed in the playoffs. But in 2014, the team hired longtime Nashville Predators coach Barry Trotz. This proved to be a catalyst as the Capitals finally got over the hump and won the Stanley Cup in 2018.

While Trotz did not return the next season, Washington remained a contender. But as long as Ovechkin is with the team, the Capitals should be included in Stanley Cup talks.

Check out all the updated Washington Capitals stats, recent news and betting tips, here at Point Spreads.